His recent performances in the T20I series against New Zealand have been particularly telling. In both the first and second matches, Reddy was entrusted with the critical 19th over, a clear sign of the captain’s growing confidence in his death-bowling abilities. Beyond his work with the ball, he proved his mettle with the bat in the second T20I, anchoring an unbeaten 69-run partnership with Tilak Varma to guide India to a hard-fought victory, finishing with a brisk 26 off 13 deliveries.
Developing a Multi-Format Asset
The coaching staff, led by bowling coach Morne Morkel, has been vocal about Reddy’s potential. Morkel has identified the youngster as a player to watch, noting his ability to deliver a game-changing ball. This backing has seen him move ahead of other contenders in the pecking order, with the team management clearly prioritising his development as a genuine all-format allrounder. While comparisons to the established skill set of Hardik Pandya are inevitable, Reddy’s youth and commitment to his craft have made him a standout prospect.
Reddy’s journey has not been without its hurdles. After a promising Test debut in Australia in 2024, where he scored a century against a formidable bowling attack, he recognised the need to increase his bowling pace. By working closely with high-performance coach Steffan Jones, he successfully raised his speed into the mid-130kph range, a marked improvement from his previous efforts. He remains acutely aware of the workload required to succeed at this level, acknowledging that his preparation demands more effort than most.
Managing Fitness for Future Challenges
Despite his clear talent, fitness remains the primary obstacle in Reddy’s path to becoming a permanent fixture in the Indian XI. His career has been interrupted by a series of setbacks, including a hernia injury that prevented his maiden call-up to Zimbabwe in 2024, a knee injury sustained in a gym accident, and a quadriceps issue that forced him to miss the tour of the UK earlier this year.
As he continues to refine his skills, the focus for the Indian team management will be on managing his physical load to ensure he remains available for upcoming high-stakes assignments. With his ability to contribute significantly in all three facets of the game, Reddy represents a vital piece of the puzzle for India as they look to build depth in their allrounder ranks.
